Search form

It is with great pleasure that the Board of Directors of the Lawrence History Center announces the recipient of the 2016 Eartha Dengler History Award:

Martha Lopez-Velez

Born in Cuba, an immigrant to Lawrence at age five, Martha and her family came to the United States with the hope of a better life. Anchored in love for her family and her new city, Martha has wrapped her arms around all who live in Lawrence by creating a bridge between diverse cultures and by giving a voice, dignity, and respect to all she meets. Her leadership at the Lawrence Council on Aging and her commitment as director of the Lawrence Senior Center to a holistic approach in creating community has resulted in a vibrant, enriching environment that serves thousands of people a year—seniors, veterans, and entire families. In all that Martha does, she brings together her hard working nature, her grateful spirit, and her deep personal understanding of the sacrifices immigrant families make when they come to this country, to help lift up and strengthen the city of Lawrence for the future.